Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lissa Barnum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Lissa was born in Mexico City and moved to California aged 16, Andrew born in Greenwich Connecticut and his family moved to Australia, aged 7. Lissa and Andrew met in Los Angeles, and we started a freelance design business (A&L Barnum Design), and started a new-wave band (Live Nude Girl). We had design clients, gigs, and made a demo tape. We were married in 1981, our demo tape found its way to a Sydney producer, We relocated, started freelancing in design, and were signed to Festival Records as ‘Vitabeats.’ Becoming an independent duo we signed to Hot Records and released a single/video ‘Boom Box’ in 1985 that became a national hit across Australia. We then moved into an Old Methodist Church Hall in Sydney in 1991 and renovated it in 3 stages before selling up in 2014. We both became University Lecturers in design in 2000 and are still teaching in Sydney today. We left the city in 2015 and settled on a small farm on the South Coast of NSW (Meroo Meadow). During 2018 Andrew released a solo independent album ‘Little Phoenix/The City/Country.’ Lissa had a solo art exhibition ‘Miracles and Promises’ at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra in 2022. Vitabeats has released 3 independent singles since September 2023. 2 websites tell the story. Design: https://www.barnumgroup.biz/ Music: https://www.andrewbarnum.com/

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Our story begins with graphic design, and independent music. Our design practice has revolved around identity, publications, and products for individuals and businesses in Commerce, Community, and The Arts. Our music practice has always included Andrew’s original songs, with Lissa’s voice, artworks and art direction. After practicing design in Sydney from 1982-2000 we chose to move our design focus into higher-education. Lissa running the University of Technology Design studio (2000-2005), while Andrew also lectured at UTS until becoming Head of College at Billy Blue College of Design (2006-2012). Our design education became informed by ‘Design Thinking’ and ‘Community Projects.’ Lissa completed an MBA at Uni of Adelaide in 2016, Andrew completed a Master of Arts (research) at UTS on ‘Redefining Creativity for the Creative Industry.’ Since moving to the South Coast we’ve shifted our personal advocacy towards ‘First Nations Recognition’, as seen and heard through our singles/videos for ‘Rise Up’ and ‘Powerlines.’ All Vitabeats music is available on YouTube/Spotify/Apple Music.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Ever since we met and joined forces, sustaining our Design, Education, and Art have been the driving force of a shared vision. It’s taken a lot of determination, uncertainty, constant learning, and honest reflection to keep our practices, and our marriage together. The most rewarding aspect is how design, education, and art have kept our wheel of fortune spinning when faced with tough decisions, pivots, cost of living pressures, raising a daughter, and managing our property holdings. We were fortunate to have parents who’ve supported our enterprises. Both from corporate and independent backgrounds. The reward remains autonomy, self-reliance, and building a body of works for ourselves, our clients/collaborators, and the ecology of people that create our disciplines.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Societies must recognise the value that designers and artists make to help create safe, respectful, and empathetic communities. Recognising and nurturing talented, passionate people from all walks of life provides a way forward for less fortunate people who get caught in cycles with reduced opportunity. People need to be seen, and given chances to contribute. Design and Art can provide collaborative pathways out of suffering and isolation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barnumgroup.biz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abarnumart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abarnumart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-barnum-62b4b93/
• Twitter: @andrew_barnum
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewbarnumsongs7774
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-449903088
• Other: Lissa insta: https://www.instagram.com/lissabarnum/ https://www.barnumgroup.biz/ https://www.andrewbarnum.com/

Image Credits

First image (4 pics) Photos by Katie Rivers for South Coast Style Magazine